If confirmed, Gregg will be the third Republican to join Obama's cabinet, following Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Obama first nominated New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson to be commerce secretary. But Richardson withdrew in early January, citing the distraction of a federal investigation into ties to a company that has done business with his state.

soundoff(15 Responses)

Dean in Florida

I already miss the integrity of the Bush administration. Thanks Obama, for bringing foxes to the henhouse.

February 3, 2009 11:14 am at 11:14 am |

EBC

BRILLIANT Mr. President. I'm so glad you are ignoring ALL the bashing and naysayers. YOU are focused on doing the job that needs to be done rather than worrying about all the "finger pointing and gossip mongering" going on in the media.

A President whose less focus on the media circus and MORE focused on doing his job!

THANK YOU President Obama!!

February 3, 2009 11:14 am at 11:14 am |

Dawn

No one can say he is not bi-partisan

February 3, 2009 11:16 am at 11:16 am |

Franky

I gotta say, what do you guys think about this pick?? I think is by far, it is one of the most intriguing picks in his cabinet and let's face it, that Commerce is tough and sending a GOP to do the job, could be a good thing in terms of perspective, plus, he must have game for it. People might not think the Commerce position means a lot but in reality it does. They play a major role in many major decisions, especially the ones Lou talks about, LOL!! I wonder what Lou thinks of it?? Different or "change?" Or a good one?? Gotta dig some info on him a little more but being fiscally conservative pretty much tells you he doesn't play around a lot, so that's pretty good but as results, we'll wait and see...

February 3, 2009 11:21 am at 11:21 am |

KMB

It is obvious what Obama is doing. Even though he would like us to believe that he is simply finding the best people for the job, he is actually trying to set the stage for his reelection. Every move that he has made in filling his cabinet is totally political. He is choosing those individuals who represent states and/or constituencies that he wants to win in 2012. He wants South Dakota, so he is standing by Tom Daschle. He wants Hillary's 18 million votes, so he names her Secretary of State. Janet Napolitano will help him in Arizona. Gregg is a Republican who can help him in New Hampshire. In other words, Obama is NO different from George Bush, who spent his entire first term planning for his reelection, and thus, letting the country go to buck. Obama has been a real disappointment so far. All the talk of doing what is best for the American people was just that, talk. Like all politicians, he ONLY cares about doing what is best for himself.

February 3, 2009 11:22 am at 11:22 am |

Scott, Tucson

'Dawn February 3rd, 2009 11:16 am ET No one can say he is not bi-partisan'

Dawn..Obama has to find one person for his cabinet that's not a tax cheat.

February 3, 2009 11:30 am at 11:30 am |

Bob

If he's confirmed, Gregg's Senate seat had BETTER be filled with a Republican - just as Obama's and Clinton's seats were filled with a Democrat!

February 3, 2009 11:49 am at 11:49 am |

Obama Fan

Dean in Florida-

I'd like some of what you are smoking!!! I didn't think I'd ever see the words *integrity* and *Bush Administration* in a sentence together for as long as I lived....but you sir have made my day!!!

Thanks for the good laugh Dean!

February 3, 2009 11:50 am at 11:50 am |

Anthony Sacramento

President Obama Turning the page everyday.

Thank you Mr President.

February 3, 2009 12:00 pm at 12:00 pm |

rodlang

Shrewd political move by Obama. Gets credit for being bi-partisan and this seat will now go democrat in 2010. Obama outfoxes the repubs on this one.

February 3, 2009 12:11 pm at 12:11 pm |

Baze

A step toward bipartisanship; appoint the reconcilable G.O.P., while the others that lack vision get to sit on the sidelines and watch their national approval continue to plummet.

February 3, 2009 12:27 pm at 12:27 pm |

disillusioned already

My gosh, look how fast Obama has rounded up all these tax cheats! He should be Sheriff.

February 3, 2009 12:35 pm at 12:35 pm |

Game

Is he playing game, or pure politics?

February 3, 2009 01:09 pm at 1:09 pm |

do your homework

To KMB at 11:22am:

You must be new to this. South Dakota? Arizona? These are not typical Democrat states, and they don't have a lot of Electoral Votes. I don't think Obama's sweating over those two. And he won New Hampshire big time, so I don't think he's too worried over that one, either.

In case you missed it, Obama won 365 EVs. Building the electoral map for 2012 simply isn't top priority right now. He's smart enough to know that if he doesn't start turning this country around, we'll turn our backs on him in four years.

Incidentally, you'll be happier if you try to take people at face value instead of always looking for more cynical motives. Obama's making a good effort at bipartisanship here and is trying to pick the best people for the job, regardless of party affiliation.